Australian Health Insurance: OVHC & OSHC Explained
Securing the right health insurance is often a mandatory visa requirement for Australia. At Anand Migration, we guide you through Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), ensuring you meet visa conditions and have peace of mind.
Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
OVHC is health insurance designed for temporary visa holders in Australia who are generally not eligible for Medicare (Australia's public health system). It covers medical and hospital costs for visitors and workers.
Who Needs It: Required for many temporary visa holders, including those on:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Training Visa (Subclass 407)
- Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 870)
- Some Visitor Visas (Subclass 600) with Condition 8501.
- Highly recommended for Working Holiday Visas (417, 462).
What it Covers (generally):
- Doctor visits (GP and specialists)
- Hospital treatments (in-patient accommodation and medical services)
- Ambulance services
- Limited prescription medications
- Varies by policy: Some plans offer "extras" like dental, optical, or physiotherapy for an additional cost
Key Points:
- Visa Compliance: Often a mandatory visa condition (e.g., Condition 8501)
- Financial Protection: Protects against the high cost of medical treatment in Australia
- Flexible Providers: Offered by a wide range of private health insurers
- Payment Options: Often allows for flexible payment, including monthly
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is health insurance specifically for international students (and their dependents) in Australia. It is a strict requirement for the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Who Needs It: Mandatory for all international students (Subclass 500 visa holders) and any accompanying dependents for the entire duration of their student visa.
What it Covers (minimum requirements):
- Visits to the doctor (GP)
- Some hospital treatments
- Ambulance services
- Limited prescription medications (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme - PBS listed drugs)
- Does NOT typically cover: Dental, optical, or physiotherapy, unless "Extras OSHC" is purchased
Key Points:
- Mandatory Visa Requirement: You must maintain OSHC for the entire period of your student visa. Failure to do so can lead to visa cancellation.
- Government-Approved Providers: Only a few Australian Government-approved health insurers are allowed to offer OSHC.
- Upfront Payment: Often paid in full for the duration of your visa upon application.
- Specific Design: Tailored to the healthcare needs of international students.
Anand Migration helps you understand which cover you need, compare policies from approved providers, and ensure your health insurance meets all Australian visa requirements for a smooth and worry-free stay.
| Feature | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary User | International Students | General Temporary Visa Holders (non-students) |
| Associated Visa | Subclass 500 Student Visa (mandatory) | Subclass 482, 485, 407, 870, some 600, 417/462 etc. |
| Mandatory? | Yes, strictly mandatory for visa grant/maintenance | Often mandatory (e.g., Condition 8501 on visa) |
| Payment Method | Typically paid upfront for entire visa duration | Often offers more flexible payment (e.g., monthly) |
| Providers | Limited to Australian Government-approved insurers | Wider range of private health insurers |
| Coverage Focus | Designed for student healthcare needs | Designed for general visitor/worker healthcare needs |
